Many-colored Chaco Finch

Medium-sized gamebird endemic to the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, where it inhabits rocky hillsides and valley slopes with grassy or sparse brushy cover. Very similar to the much more widespread and closely related Chukar, but note present species’ pale lores and slightly different head and neck patterning: the dark band that runs down the neck is extensively warm tawny-brown, and forms an extremely thin, almost broken collar (Chukar has a black band that forms a thick, solid collar). Often forages in dense vegetation, breaking cover to give its accelerating clucking song or to survey territory; in winter, may come down to settlements in areas where not hunted intensively.

Rather graceful-looking brown babbler with a long tail and long legs. Averages paler below than above, but generally unmarked. Inhabits foothill forests with dense undergrowth, where it forages close to or on the ground. Almost completely unmarked appearance distinguishes it from most other babblers in range. Listen for its loud, strident song, a repetitive “wit-wee, wit-wee, wit-wee.” Calls include rattling trills, a harsh descending laugh, and sharp single notes.

Very elusive, chickenlike bird of humid evergreen and pine-evergreen forests in the highlands of central Mexico. Usually in pairs or small groups on the forest floor; may be seen beside quiet trails and roads early and late in the day. Runs away quickly and rarely flies. Note the white stripes on black head, red bill and eyering, and overall gray-brown body; tail often held cocked, like a chicken. Loud rollicking songs are given mainly early and late in the day and most often reveal its presence.